One of the most important things you should know is: Peru is a country with a mixture of European, African and Asian influences that have drastically blended over the centuries since the Spanish invasion (1532 a.c.) and even more in the last decades. For tourists interested in culture, there are many things to know about Peru before visiting my country.
Peru has maintained its traditions and customs over time through different cultures such as the Ashaninca, Aymara, Shipibo and many others, each with their own traditions, histories, customs and worldviews that converge on the Sun as Father and the Earth as Mother, currently 47 indigenous languages are spoken in Peru. Before the arrival of the Spaniards (1532 A.D.) all these cultures were united under the government of an Inca (almost like a king), which means autonomous government of the population of Abiayala (America), the territory was called TAHUANTINSUYO, which means the 4 tasks of the territory and curiously the crown of the Inka was represented by 4 golden ropes and is called Mascaypacha, which means to look for solutions.
Although we have a great cultural and linguistic diversity, Spanish is the official language, with Runasimi, which is the Inka language and it means language of humanity (but even peruvians call it quechua) and Aymara are spoken in the Andes and the rest of the languages in the Amazon jungle, these data refer to the current territory of Peru, because the ancient Inka territory extended from the south of Colombia to the north of Argentina and there is evidence that Runasimi was spoken in all these countries in the past.
Today, Peru is far from what it used to be, however, the descendants of the Inkas dream of a future like their ancestors, the children of the migrants share this dream of reclaiming the Inka power for the common good of humanity, encouraged by an ancient messianic story called INKARI.
Peru has a coastline, Andes and jungle, of which, apart from its beaches, the longest wave in the world is in Perú, more than 2 km long, the exuberant biodiversity of the jungle with its medicines and its healers who, according to the locals, revive the dead, and the ancient mysteries. Among the Andes we have mountainous landscapes open to trekking, Machupicchu surrounded by mountains is a good example, Cusco (Q’osqo, navel of the world) Cusco was the capital of the Inka culture and is where you will find the most evidence of living culture (perhaps that’s why it is the most touristy city).
Even here in the Andes is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and home to the world’s largest frog (50cm). But if you are looking for something beyond what the human eye can see, then Peru is a destination you must visit in this lifetime, for example the benefits of the Eastern sciences of meditation or basically breathing sciences have become widely practiced all over the world, Science has now proven that the simple fact of not breathing for longer than normal deactivates the body’s functions to activate the survival mode, and through the brain brings all the oxygen to the pineal gland, which is the source of life and mysteries.
Activating this tiny bio-crystal is the goal of every being who seeks spiritual elevation or simply intelligence. In laboratories it has been shown that the simple fact of refraining from breathing promotes greater electrical activity in this area, now, if you want to come to the Peruvian Andes to follow the steps of: peace and love, tranquillity, concentration or we will teach you the Inka method (it is not about not breathing).
By the way, the sacred places of the Inkas are located at a higher altitude than the cities. But if you are looking for mystical experiences, you can be sure that any part of the world can offer it, but IntiTravel.Org offers therapeutic tourism & wellness, through historical knowledge, current science and simplicity, clarifying that we do not do ceremonies, rituals or similar because they are synonymous with consumerism.
Although Peru produces good coffee, most Peruvians consume instant coffee and just for fun we refer to instant coffee as noescafe.
Nowadays most Peruvians are catholic due to the forced christianization during the Spanish colony, religious festivities are numerous and can be seen all over the country during the whole year (ironically Peruvians carry saints during religious festivities). Since the beginning of the Spanish colony the festivities of the Inkas were taken and the themes were changed, imposing Judeo-Christian themes, in those times the population of the Tahuantinsuyo practiced the catholic festivities with sentiment towards their ancient celebrations, to the energies that emanated from some earthly and cosmic places during the year.
But as the Extirpation of Idolatry (inquisition in Europe) forbade on pain of death to talk about the ancestral wisdom, this rigour paid off so much that nowadays the Peruvians forgot the great cultural value of their ancestors so much that they consider it as beliefs and even paganism. But thanks to the strong roots of the ancients who initially practised what was imposed, they left pieces of the ancestral festivities, hidden in the costumes, the music and the theme of the dances so much that the coloniser never realised that they were leaving information for ethno-anthropology to bring to light.
The traditional festivities last 8 days of joy and celebrations, although economically speaking in Peru there is no money for so much festivity so it is more common to see festivities during the first and last day.
Nowadays there are private and governmental organisations that promote Inka events increasing the possibility to come across cultural shows all year round. But there is also a huge presence of the 4200 modern religions that are attacking the last cultural reservoirs, these are the peasant communities, it is unfortunate because it is in those peasant places where you truly see the purity of a smile, dress, dances, songs that is the true ancestral culture (they don’t know it), but at the same time their abandonment by the government makes them vulnerable to their spiritual needs, these religions are sweeping away all traditions, inquisitor style…
By the way, if you want a real cultural experience, the best thing to do is to go to peasant communities far from the tourist circuits where they themselves make what they need, although nowadays only a small part of it.
Peruvian gastronomy is also a highlight of the country’s culture, known for its variety and unique flavour, due to the great diversity of the local cuisine and the influence of the world. Ceviche, aji de gallina, lomo saltado and pollo a la brasa are some of the most popular dishes you should not miss during your visit.
Of course, the Inkas never ate these dishes, the Inka culture’s own dishes are served in traditional festivities, popular markets and some tourist restaurants, but if it is a matter of boasting, today Peru has the best restaurant in the world. With this we invite you to have real travel experiences, where the surprise and the spontaneity of life gives experiences of the best and unique neuronal level.
Something that will not go unnoticed in colonial cities like Cusco, Arequipa and others, are its large churches, cathedrals, mansions and government buildings that reflect the Spanish architecture of the sixteenth century, but above all the large number of churches for a small population during the colony and something peculiar that you will notice in those cities with more presence of ancestral culture is to find colonial buildings on Inka architecture.
Among other essential things about Peru:
To find out if you need any kind of documents and visas before travelling to Peru, you can check on the official website of migrations: http://www.consulado.pe/es/paris/tramite/Paginas/Visas/Visa-Turismo.aspx
Although no vaccinations are required to enter Peru, it is recommended that travellers get vaccinated against yellow fever and hepatitis A and B. You can consult your doctor to ensure good health. In addition, it is important to take measures to avoid mosquitoes and the scorching sun, ask us to find out more about consistent measures. Regarding climate and clothing. The climate in Peru varies according to the region and the season. The coast obeys the classic 4 seasons, it is generally dry, humid and hot. The jungle is defined by rainy and dry seasons, it is generally humid and very hot.
Whereas, in the Andes, the climate is unpredictable, but is characterised by rainy and dry season, cold, hot-burning and dry weather. To be prepared for any weather, it is advisable to take light, breathable clothing, as well as warmer, waterproof clothing, especially if you plan to camp. In the Andes we have a saying: The weather is like women, because it is unpredictable. Because of this and many other things you should be ready for everything, like having all 4 seasons in one day. That’s right, you will have one of those experiences that you will never forget.
Transport in Peru can be diverse and can be a great experience on buses and taxis, but it is important that you take precautions to avoid being a victim of robbery or scams. It is recommended that you use official taxis, agree the price with the driver before getting into the taxi and be aware of your belongings in full fares. Apart from these 2 types of transport services all are well organised.
In general Peru is a safe country for tourists, but it is important that you take precautions and for this it is important that you carry a copy of your passport, itinerary and hotel reservations with you at all times. It is also important to inform your hotel or someone you trust about your travel plans and to keep in regular contact with your loved ones back home.
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian sol (PEN). You can exchange money in Peru at exchange houses and banks. It is important to avoid exchanging money on the street, as there is a risk of being cheated with counterfeit notes. You should also be aware that many places in Peru only accept cash, so it is advisable to carry enough cash to cover your expenses during your trip. You can also use credit and debit cards in some places, but it is advisable to check with your bank before you travel to see if there are any international transaction fees.
Finally, if you come to Peru remember to research the basics about your trip (itinerary) because if you research every detail or if you know everything, you will have expectations that usually do not satisfy your brain (stress), it is nothing new for your brain, it will only be new the new place and of course new people, but if the experience is mostly unexpected.
Even if it is uncomfortable it will be an experimental experience to solve or just keep the inner peace that the world needs, because being in the bubble of comfort the world will not learn to deal with or avoid wars, over all it will be a true experience like life is or int this case should be, but don’t take me wrong, get information of the countri you are plaming to go is absolutly good but there is mor benefits in history than in curent activities.
This recommendation is an invitation to have real experiences, as in the old days, where all varieties of stress were unknown, where our brains were truly made to work, with better hormonal discharges in the brain and those experiences last longer than a well planned experience. That is to say, if you want to do something for your well-being, health and even for society, just practice the habits of the people who have achieved it, create the environment that formed them, the best examples we have are from antiquity, because they even achieved societies that are currently considered utopian.
If you only uncover the reality of life then you would discover that the comforts that the world is creating is a joke, all you need is to enlighten society with your inner light that speaks to you and sometimes demands to leave but you get carried away by the fantasy that social engineering creates, threatening the future of life as we know it.
This time plan a different trip, with purpose, with Inti Travel Org committed to life, therapeutic tourism & wellness.
